Iowa AgrAbility

I was air evacuated to St. Lukes where it was diagnosed that I sustained a rapid deceleration closed head injury, resulting in a subaruhoind brain hemorrhage, and brain stem contusion. Diffuse atonal brain hemorrhaging produced multiple hemorrhaging. Location prevented me from being a candidate for surgery. I went to critical care intensive care where the second day effects of brain injury were namely swelling. My brain swelled and intercranial pressure shot up. The survival rate for the type of brain injury the primary and secondary effects were less than ten percent. With the additional substantial shoulder injury between the heart and the brain and the effects of shock, my chances of survival were slim. At the hospital, I lapsed into a coma and I was placed on a respirator due to breathing problems. Vital signs were unstable. I remained a month in a coma.

I slowly emerged from the coma and improved until I was transferred to rehabilitation at St. Luke's. The effects of this brain injury are substantial. I had a pronounced balance disorder, weakness and loss of coordination in my left hand, double vision and a variety of sensory deficits that are not easily describable. I'm truly blessed to be alive and able to function. Life can change in an instant. We don't always appreciate what we have until we lose it. We have a choice and I'm working to find a positive outcome. AgrAbility Friends and Family has provided a positive outlet.